Friends feared that it would be a ‘difficult Christmas’ for the family, after it was revealed that Teresa Giudice would not be able to visit her husband Joe in jail.
But the mum-of-four made the best of a bad situation by whisking her daughters off to Cancun, Mexico, to spend the New Year’s in the sun.
Real Housewives Of New Jersey star Teresa was pictured on the beach with her eldest daughters Gia, 16 and Gabriella, 13, as they tried to take their minds off festive family traditions.
Hitting the beach: Teresa Giudice was seen soaking up the sun in Cancun, Mexico on Thursday, as the family enjoy a beach day at Christmas
Taking herself away from the troubles at home, the 45-year-old looked sensational in a black bikini as she reclined on a sun lounger with her two eldest girls.
She displayed a deep golden tan, while making sure to keep her girls protected in the sun by topping them up with suncream.
While Teresa’s youngest daughters, Milania, 11 and eight-year-old Audriana, were not pictured at the beach, it’s believed they have joined their mother on the festive vacation.
Their father, Teresa’s husband Joe, has been serving a 41-month prison sentence for mail, wire and bankruptcy fraud since March 2016.
It has previously been reported that Teresa would not be able to visit Joe with her children on Christmas Day because of a delay in administrative processes for visitation, stemming from his recent transfer to a different prison.
Friends have expressed concern for Teresa and her girls, hinting that they would find the festive season difficult.
Helping hand: Teresa was seen with her daughters, as she spends time away from husband Joe
Family time: It will be a welcome break for Teresa and her girls, as they escape the woes at home
Kicking back: The trio kicked back on the beach while catching some rays
‘Her hope is that immediately after she gets back from her trip, she will be able to see him once her visiting form is approved,’ a source told People earlier this month.
Teresa was granted a lesser sentence for her part in the scheme; the parents were allowed to serve time separately for the sake of their children.
‘They speak multiple times a day over the phone,’ the source adds. ‘He’s emailing people all day long. Emails with each of the girls, separately.
‘He is in good spirits and he’s happy and even happier where he is than where he was. This facility is better suited to him … he seems more upbeat since having moved.’
Relaxing: Teresa was taking her mind off her man, as he spends Christmas in jail
Troubled time: Teresa and Joe Giudice were not be able to see one another on Christmas this year; seen in March 2016
Family vacation: Teresa was a golden brown, while her daughters seemed keen to tan
In shape: Teresa looked toned in her black bikini, leaving her hair long and loose around her shoulders
Festive cheer: Teresa was topping up her tan while she takes her mind off recent events
The 45-year-old reality star was in custody in Fort Dix, New Jersey, but transferred last month to Pennsylvania’s FCI Allenwood facility, according to The Blast.
With the transfer to a separate facility, Joe’s family was required to provide updated clearance forms to visit him in the Pennsylvania penitentiary, a process one source told People ‘takes about four to six weeks for visitors to be approved,’ which won’t wrap up until after the holidays are over.
His transfer came amid a row over his entrance of an alcohol treatment program that provided ample incentive for participation: a full year off his sentence.
The point of conflict, according to The Blast, is the Saronno, Italy-born star’s immigration status. The Pennsylvania facility can issue him a hearing in connection with the dispute, paving the way to the transfer.
Time away: The holiday should help the family take their mind off the problems at home
Family matters: Teresa was granted a lesser sentence for her part in the scheme
Sharing the sentence: The parents were allowed to serve time separately for the sake of their children
Getaway: The younger girls were not seen at the beach but are believed to be with Teresa
Protecting her children: Teresa and Joe have been in constant contact but unfortunately a Christmas visit was not approved in time
Joe in March of 2016 entered custody in connection with a sentence of 41 months following his conviction on fraud charges in October of 2014.
On Thursday, Joe’s sister Melissa Gorga also took to Instagram to show off her bikini body.
And though the sisters-in-law have mended fences in recent years, it does appear as if they were entering a bikini body face off of sorts.
Melissa, who is married to Teresa’s brother Joe Gorga, was the first to post at 9:30 am PST.
She wore a purple, green and white string bikini that made the most of her curves.
Just the girls: The girls’ trip is just weeks after Joe was moved to a different facility
Better luck in 2018: The past year has been a tumultuous one for the Giudice family
Golden girls: The family were beach-ready and prepared to spend a long time on the sands
Sun seekers: It’s been a good opportunity for Teresa to focus on better fortune
Two good: Teresa and Melissa Gorga are in Jamaica for New Year’s Eve. And on Thursday both Real Housewives Of New Jersey stars took to Instagram to show off their bodies
Amazing: Melissa, who is married to Teresa’s brother Joe Gorga, wore a purple, green and white string bikini that made the most of her curves
Also amazing: Teresa kept it more simple in a black two piece with gold accents. She posed with her youngest daughter Audriana, aged eight
Their show: Both beauties are on The Real Housewives Of New Jersey; here they are pictured with (from left) Margaret Josephs, Dolores Catania and Siggy Flicker, who is leaving the show
Mother daughter time: Teresa shared an image where she gushed over Cancun
She said in her caption she was in Jamaica.
Teresa came next as she posted at 12:30 pm PST. She kept it more simple in a black two piece with gold accents. She posed with her youngest daughter Audriana, aged eight.
The star is in Cancun, Mexico with her kids.
That means they are 650 miles apart though the photos make it seem as if they are in the same spot.
Both ladies struck flattering poses proving they love to look like pinups.
‘God I love them’: Melissa shared a snap of her whole tribe
Smiling through sad times: Teresa shared this shot from her pre-Christmas celebration on Sunday
Missing their dad: The Giudice girls – (L-R) Gabriella, 13, Gia, 16, Milania and Audriana – posed in a group shot recently on their mom’s social media